Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 30th January 2020
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Blue Cross Hammersmith hospital receives Vet Wellbeing Award
The Hammersmith team collected their award at the SPVS-VMG Congress 2020.

Staff show commitment to supporting good mental health

The Blue Cross animal hospital in Hammersmith has been recognised for its commitment to wellbeing, winning Best Small Practice at the 2019 Vet Wellbeing Awards on Friday 24 January 2020.

The Vet Wellbeing Awards were created by the Society of Practicing Vets (SPVS), in partnership with the RCVS Mind Matters Initiative. Their purpose is to celebrate practices that are committed to creating a supportive work environment, as well as highlight the significance of wellbeing in veterinary practices. Winners are chosen by a varied panel of veterinary professionals and wellbeing experts.

The Hammersmith hospital is the smallest of the Blue Cross hospitals, undertaking more than 6,000 consultations every year. The team have implemented a number of wellbeing initiatives including regular sharing lunches, ‘Time to Talk’ days, an end-of-the-day wellbeing checklist and a team WhatsApp group which encourages communication.

‘Monthly reflective rounds’ offer a safe space for staff to share their thoughts and feelings, and connect with their colleagues who understand the challenges of this notoriously difficult job.

Managers have regular sessions with a trained psychology coach and mental health first aiders wear green ribbon badges, making them easy to spot around the practice.

Nadine Lock, chief veterinary surgeon at Blue Cross Hammersmith, said: “I am thrilled that in this time of increasing mental health awareness we have been recognised by our veterinary colleagues. It is a real honour to win the Small Practice award and I hope it will encourage others to look at the ways we can create the most supportive working environments possible.”

Image (c) Blue Cross

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New form for online veterinary medicines retailers

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has produced a new online form for retailers wishing to sell veterinary medicines on the internet.

The form replace the previous Word version and is part of the VMD's ongoing commitment to digitise its processes. Anyone retailing prescription medicines online, including POM-V, POM-VPS and NFA-VPS categories, is lawfully required to register with the VMD before trading.

The change only applies to new applicants. Retailers already listed on the VMD's Register of Online Retailers or registered under the Accredited Internet Retailer Scheme (AIRS) do not need to do anything.